Mario Balotelli pulled out of Milan–Juventus” data-scaytid=”2″>Milan-Juventus and also Italy’s friendly with Spain, so Mattia Destro should take his place.
Mario Balotelli pulled out of Milan-Juventus and also Italy’s friendly with Spain, so Mattia Destro should take his place.
SuperMario has still not recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained when falling awkwardly during a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.
He abandoned the training ground early on Saturday, confirming he won’t be able to take part in tonight’s Serie A clash with Juventus.
It also means Balotelli won’t be risked for Italy’s friendly against Spain on Wednesday evening.
Coach Cesare Prandelli is already due to call Torino forward Ciro Immobile and can now add Roma’s Destro to the list as Balotelli’s replacement.
Destro has played for Italy at Under-21 and senior level, but was out of action for eight months after a left knee injury sustained during the European Under-21 Championships in June 2013.
He turns 23 later this month and has scored six goals in 10 Serie A appearances for Roma this season.
Prandelli is also widely expected to call Parma defender Gabriel Paletta, who was raised in Argentina but has an Italian passport.